In this collection, Zimmer offers readers an inside look at many professions including electrician, librarian, florist, and filmmaker. Using third person narration, Zimmer seems to take on the persona of each profession.

What I thought: A great collection! Every poem was a surprise. I’d be interested to know how much research Zimmer did for the collection. My favorite poems were “Writer,” “Librarian,” and “Florist.” I love how Zimmer disregards gender roles. The electrician is a woman. The librarian is a guy. I think teachers and home schooling parents will find this collection particularly useful. I have an urge to write my own profession poem. I loved the illustrations. They suited each poem perfectly.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

What I thought: This collection has the charm of Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats. The illustrations are great—so colorful. I find it intriguing that there are no lines only color. My favorite poems are:

Monday, April 26, 2010

Did you ever think a simple list could be a poem? Well, it can. This collection demonstrates the numerous ways.

What I thought: The list poem is going to be one of my new favorite forms. It’s so simple, but can be used in so many ways. My favorite poems are:

“On the Menu for School Today” by Rebecca Kai Dotlich“Things To Do If You Are a Pencil” by Elaine Magliano“Booktime” by Avis Harley“Just Look” by Valiska Gregory“Walking Home from School I See” by Rebecca Kai Dotlich

I'm pleased to say that I won a copy of this collection from Elaine at Wild Rose Reader. She's offering a poetry book giveaway for each week of National Poetry Month. I'll be donating my copy of Falling Down the Page to my local public library. I want children to discover the magic that is poetry.

Friday, April 23, 2010

Look out Glenwood Elementary! Ramona Quimby is five-years-old and starting kindergarten. Will Ramona survive her first year of school? Will the school survive Ramona?

Another great book about Ramona and company. Such a quick, easy read and so entertaining. Beverly Cleary's goal was to write books about "kids like us" and she has definitely succeeded. My favorite part in the book was the Halloween parade. Such fun! My granny made all my costumes growing up. I was a wizard, a prairie girl, a colonial girl, a school teacher, an old lady and I can't remember what else, but I remember what fun dressing up was.

My favorite quote: "She was a girl who could not wait. Life was so interesting she had to fin out what happened next" (page 11, Chapter 1: Ramona's Great Day).

Up next, book 3: Ramona the Brave.

Just a reminder the movie Ramona and Beezus opens on July 23. Only 13 more weeks to go!

Hershenhorn uses the alphabet to explore writing. In 26 stanzas (and extra informational paragraphs), she covers all the fundamentals of writing from the alphabet to Zorro.

What I Thought: An absolute gem especially for the tween crowd. The information is simple and frank. I learned quite a lot myself. Loved the quotes from children’s authors and the writing tips. If I ever start a writing group for the tween crowd, S is for Story will be my go-to resource. The illustrations were great—realistic and yet a little fantastic.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Ms. Harley uses one poetic form, the acrostic, to explore animals of the African continent.

What I thought: Stupendous poems. They read well and look even better on the page. Love the photographs—they really capture the animals’ vitality. I liked the “lesson” at the end pf the book on the form. Teachers will appreciate this book. Kids like animals, especially exotic ones. Could there be a better way to teach poetry?

The acrostic was the form I cut my poetic teeth on. During freshman English in high school, we had to write acrostic poems. I don’t even remember if the teacher named the form. He just explained what to do. I amused myself long after the assignment was over writing acrostics about everything from animals to holidays. Incidentally, one of the first acrostic poems I wrote was about an African animal, the elephant. Here it is in all its juvenile glory:

Everlasting memory of theLong drifting plains of AfricaElongated trunk marks a regal beastPlaying in the riverHalting only as the sun sinks beyondAfter dusk he roamsNever resting, marchingTo the sound of the wind

Monday, April 19, 2010

The title says it all. Sidman takes us through the four seasons exploring how colors change.

What I thought: This book has been on my to read list since Tricia of The Miss Rumphius Effect praised it in her Poetry Makers Series in 2009. Though I am a horrible artist, color has always fascinated me. I loved reading Sidman’s thoughts and observations about color in her lyrical poetry. No need to say anything about the illustrations as the book is now a Caldecott Honor book. My challenge to you: What is your favorite color? Explore what it would be like in the four seasons.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

The list is out. Which of the Top 100 Children's Novels have you read? I've read 48 which isn't too shabby. The ones I've read are bold. Maybe this will be my new reading project--read the 52 on the list that I haven't read yet.

Over the weekend, I made a trek to a great used bookstore. Here's what I found: A Writer's Notebook by Ralph Fletcher (I read Poetry Matters and wasn't really impressed, but for 75 cents I thought I'd give him another chance.) Ramona the Brave, Ramona and her Mother, Ramona Forever, and Ramona's World all by Beverly Cleary (These are the books my local library doesn't have. I need them for my Reading Ramona Project. I'll likely donate them to the library when I'm done.) What's the Weather Inside? by Karma Wilson (I read this poetry collection earlier this year and loved it. My review will post on May 3. I'm donating this to my local library because their children's poetry section is just sad!) An ARC of Beanball by Gene Fehler (I just read about Fehler in Tricia's Poetry Makers' series 2010 and have been eager to read some of his poetry. I'm planning a baseball story time and his poetry seems perfect for the occasion.) Pizza, Pigs, and Poetry by Jack Prelutsky (I reviewed this book last year. I loved it and couldn't believe my luck when I found a copy.) Cookie's Week by Cindy Ward (only 25 cents and a purrfect book for cat story time.) Max's Chocolate Chicken by Rosemary Wells (only 50 cents and perfect for Easter story time.) How Do Dinosaurs Learn Their Colors? by Jane Yolen (This board book is for my niece when she's a little older. Right now she's only 8 month and likes to chew on books! :) A pretty good haul if I do say so myself.

Friday, April 9, 2010

Back in March, I reviewed the third book in Heather Vogel Frederick's Mother-Daughter Book Club series Dear Pen Pal. In my review, I wondered what the girls would read next. I amble through A Girl of the Limberlost by Gene Stratton Porter and March by Geraldine Brooks before I hit on it. The girls are going to read Austen next! I wouldn't presume to guess which of Austen's novels they read, but I was right! I stumbled across a January entry on Heather's blog that reveals the name of the fourth book: Pies and Prejudice. Can you guess what they're reading? That's right...Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. It's due out in September. Aren't you excited? I am!

A young bear is bored. There's nothing to do. With his dad's help, he puts his imagination to good use and finds quite a lot to do. (They go visit the moon!)

What I thought: What a great book! It's all in the simplicity of both the text and illustrations. I liked the bears' use of imagination. This book will show kids how important imagination is. Reminds me of Emily Dickinson's poem about the prairie.

Story Time Themes: Imagination (pair with Nell's Elf and The Golden Egg Book); Bears

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Beezus (though she much prefers Beatrice) is almost 10. Her little sister Ramona is 4. Invisible lizards and lollipop dragons…that alone should give you a reason to read the first Ramona book.

I loved the interaction between the sisters. My sister is only a little younger than me so I never experienced the frustration of a tag-along sib. I liked that Beezus and Ramona have very different personalities. This is too true. I wonder how Cleary, being an only child, knew this. Probably by observing children at the library or her own twins. What struck me most about the book was its sense of fun. Ramona may cause problems and get into messes, but it’s all playfully intended. The book though more than 50 years old did not seem dated. The only thing that make it seem older were the illustrations, but I think newer editions of the book have updated illustrations.

From street lights to starlight, one little girl explores all types of night time lights.

What I thought: A great concept. The text is uber simple--just the name of the types of light. The illustrations are the important part. They are great. Loved all the different patterns, textures, and shading.

Monday, April 5, 2010

It's springtime in the forest. Friends Mouse and Mole are going birding. With the help of a clever disguise, Mouse writes poems about the birds and Mole draws their pictures. They put their creations together in a book.

What I thought: I love the Mouse and Mole books. They remind me a bit of Willems' Elephant & Piggie books but with more words. The illustrations are charming. Friends everywhere will appreciate Mouse and Mole's friendship.

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Andy, Penelope, Zack, and Petra are bored. It's raining outside. They can't go out to play so they decide to pretend inside. They go to the beach, make a big mess, and end the day with snow.

What I thought: A great book. Rainy day blues is something lots of kids will understand. I like that the book shows the importance of imagination but also emphasizes the consequence of their actions. Liked the illustrations--simple lines and colorful.

Story Time Idea: Pair with Nell's Elf by Jane Cowen-Fletcher and The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss for a rainy day blues story time.

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About Me

I am the Youth Services Librarian for a Regional Library in North Carolina. I present programs, develop collections, & much more for four libraries. When I'm not planning programs or ordering books, you'll find me reading, watching movies, and crocheting.